Failure to Provide Timely Perineal Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when staff failed to provide timely perineal care to a resident who was unable to perform this activity independently. The resident, who had diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, pulmonary embolism, weakness, vertigo, and difficulty walking, was documented as needing assistance with toileting hygiene and perineal care according to his care plan. Despite these documented needs, the resident reported difficulty reaching his bottom to wipe after a bowel movement and stated that staff told him it was not their job to help him. The resident further indicated that he still had stool on his bottom from the previous day, causing discomfort, and that his request for assistance from a CNA was not fulfilled in a timely manner. Observation confirmed that no staff entered the resident's room after his request for help, prompting him to activate his call light. A Qualified Medication Aide eventually entered the room but expressed the belief that there was no reason the resident could not clean himself. The facility's policy required staff to provide routine and as-needed assistance with activities of daily living, including perineal care, as outlined in the resident's care plan. The failure to provide this assistance as required led to the identified deficiency.